The zoo initially thrived with excitement around the pandas, but costs became unsustainable amidst reduced visitor numbers and economic challenges, prompting an early return to China.
Despite initial success attracting visitors, Ahtari Zoo faced financial strains due to the pandemic and inflation, which hindered its ability to maintain the pandas.
Lumi and Pyry, symbolic ambassadors of panda diplomacy, will return to China after only six years, largely due to the high costs of their care.
Efforts to sustain interest in the pandas fell short, and with operational costs totaling over $1.7 million annually, the zoo's finances became increasingly fragile.
Collection
[
|
...
]